New B50 Biodiesel Fuel to Officially Launch 1 July 2026, Bahlil Reveals Latest Trial Results

The government has confirmed that a new type of fuel, B50 biodiesel, will be officially implemented starting 1 July 2026. This assurance was conveyed by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia after trial developments showed results deemed positive. The adoption of B50 represents a further step by the government to increase the use of energy based on domestic raw materials, particularly palm oil, while reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. Before it is officially enacted, the government will still conduct a final evaluation to ensure all technical and operational aspects meet the established standards. Minister Bahlil Lahadalia emphasised that the implementation schedule for B50 biodiesel remains in line with the government’s plan. According to him, the trial process is still ongoing and the final results will be discussed in an evaluation meeting scheduled to take place soon. “B50, according to schedule, will be implemented on 1 July 2026. Perhaps in one week I will hold a meeting with the trial team. Currently, we are still continuing to conduct trials,” said Bahlil. The meeting will be the final stage before the government makes a final decision regarding all test results conducted over recent months. Bahlil revealed that the majority of parameters tested so far have shown encouraging results. According to him, around 80 to 90 percent of test indicators have yielded results in line with expectations. This serves as a positive signal for the government to proceed with implementing this latest generation biodiesel programme. “Around 80-90 percent of the trial results, alhamdulillah, are good,” he stated. Nevertheless, the government will still await the comprehensive evaluation results before delivering a final report to the public. One aspect of focus in biodiesel testing is the water content contained in the fuel. According to Bahlil, interim results indicate that B50 has better quality compared to the B40 biodiesel currently used nationally. “In fact, its water content compared to B40 is better in B50. However, the final results will be conveyed after the final evaluation meeting,” said Bahlil.